My name is Michael Hegeman. I am a violinist, teacher and specialist consultant helping violinists and violists who are experiencing tension, pain, discomfort and physical problems.
45 Years of Experience
I have 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin. During this time, I have developed extensive practical experience of the physical demands of violin playing and the difficulties that can arise when playing.
This has included working with violinists and violists experiencing tension, pain, discomfort, movement difficulties and other physical problems affecting their playing. This practical experience forms an important part of the foundation of the specialist consultation work I provide today.
Training and Musical Background
I studied at the Conservatory of Utrecht, Netherlands, with Pavel Šorm, Concertmaster of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. My violin studies with him gave me a strong connection with the Russian School of violin playing.
I also studied viola with Prunella Pacey, Soloist and Principal Viola of the Royal Northern Sinfonia Orchestra, giving me experience of the Belgian-French tradition of viola playing.
With and Without a Shoulder Rest
My training and playing experience includes playing both with and without a shoulder rest.
This has given me first-hand experience of different ways of supporting the instrument.
Who the Service Is For
The consultations are for violinists and violists of all levels, from beginners and amateur players to advanced players, professionals and soloists.
The focus is on physical problems that arise when playing the violin or viola, including tension, pain, discomfort and other difficulties that affect your playing.
Specialist Consultation Work
During the consultation, we work directly with your individual physical problem and examine what is happening when you play. We can try relevant changes or different possibilities and consider how the problem responds.
I do not impose a particular technique or assume that there is one correct way for every player to hold or play the violin or viola.
What is relevant to consider depends on the particular problem and what happens when you play.
The focus is on your individual situation and on understanding what is relevant to the particular difficulty you are experiencing.
My specialist consultation work is informed by research into physical problems associated with playing, together with 45 years of experience playing and teaching the violin, including extensive experience helping violinists and violists with physical problems affecting their playing.
More information about the research and references underlying my work is available on the Research & References page.
Discuss Your Situation Privately
You do not need to know exactly what is causing the problem before making an enquiry. You can simply describe what you experience when playing, including when the problem occurs and how it affects your playing.
If you are experiencing a physical problem when playing the violin or viola, you can contact me and briefly describe what you are experiencing.
Consultations are available in person, or online for clients internationally.
Private. Individual. Confidential.